Helical Conveyor Scraper for Unsorted Container Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing empty container return machines are inefficient in handling and separating large quantities of unsorted empty containers of different sizes, as they often require manual sorting and cannot accommodate varying diameters effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device with a receiving container and helically wound conveyor belt that uses scrapers to separate and convey empty containers of different sizes, ensuring only one container passes through at a time, and an analysis unit with sensors to adjust the scrapers for orderly separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a common supply of unsorted empty containers is received and manually sorted, then containers can be processed individually, but the processing efficiency is low and manual labor is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-sorting of containers through the interaction of the helical conveyor belt and scrapers. Containers are fed in bulk and automatically separated by size without manual intervention, as the scrapers push larger containers off the belt while smaller ones continue along the conveying path
Solution Approach 2:
Manual sorting operations are replaced by a mechanical separation system consisting of a helical conveyor belt and scrapers. The mechanical system automatically sorts containers by size through controlled scraping actions, eliminating the need for manual sorting labor
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor belt width is increased to accommodate larger containers, then larger containers can be transported, but smaller containers may fall off or collide during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system provides different local conditions for different container sizes. The scrapers create localized constraints at specific positions along the conveyor path, allowing larger containers to be pushed off while smaller containers continue along the main path without falling or colliding
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different container sizes through the action of scrapers that selectively interact with containers based on their dimensions. The scraper positioning and movement create dynamic separation zones that adjust to the mix of container sizes being transported
3Productivity
If multiple containers are conveyed simultaneously on the belt, then bulk processing is achieved, but sequential individual feeding cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous bulk flow of containers is segmented into individual units through the scraper action. The scrapers create separation points along the conveyor path, pushing containers off one by one in sequence while maintaining the bulk feeding capability at the input端
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper mechanism performs periodic actions along the conveyor path, creating regular intervals where containers are pushed off sequentially. This periodic scraping action transforms the continuous bulk input into discrete sequential output while maintaining high processing throughput
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for the sequential individual feeding of empty containers (11, 11.1, 11.2, 12) supplied unsorted in bulk as bulk material of different sizes, comprising a receiving container (2) with a receiving chute (5), with a shell wall (4) enclosing the receiving chute (5) and with a torsionally rigid base (3), further comprising a helically wound conveyor belt (6) wound by at least 360°, which is configured to receive the empty containers (11, 11.1, 11.2, 12) and convey them sequentially and individually out of the receiving chute (5) along a conveying direction (F), wherein at least two scrapers (7, 8) are held on the shell wall (4), which are configured to allow two scrapers to be positioned side by side and/or vertically one above the other on the conveyor belt (6) over a width (B) of the conveyor belt (6). carried empty containers (11, 11.1, 11.2) of the first size each upper and/or inner empty container (11.2) to displace the first size in such a way that it falls over an inner edge (9) of the conveyor belt (6). Furthermore, the invention relates to an empty container return machine.